Africa Safari Vacation – For many travelers, a safari is the ultimate escape and a dream trip of a lifetime. When you’re ready to invest in making this dream a reality, there are some important factors to consider. In addition, we recommend five exceptional wildlife itineraries for 2024/25 that you won’t want to miss.

From the first hint of fresh morning air to the soft hoots of owls echoing through camp after dark, a day on safari in Africa follows a satisfying natural rhythm. Even if you’re not usually an early riser, you’ll quickly settle into the routine of pre-dawn starts, relaxed lunchtimes, active afternoons, and tranquil evenings, making the most of the prime hours for wildlife-watching and relaxation. At night, you may be fortunate enough to hear the distant whoop of a hyena, the rough call of a leopard, or the deep roar of a lion.

More often than not, you’ll sleep deeply, intoxicated by the fresh air. As the new day dawns, you’ll venture into the wild, eager to discover what the day holds. Perhaps you’ll find yourself edging closer to a group of rhinos, observing playful elephants bathing in a waterhole, or watching the newest, most adorable members of a big cat family.

If this kind of adventure is what you’ve been yearning for but you’re unsure how to choose an itinerary, what’s the best way to decide? Let’s explore some options.

Green signals it’s time to proceed.

While every luxury safari provides unforgettable wildlife encounters, there are numerous options to consider in terms of atmosphere and style. High-end African trips can vary greatly in their environmental focus and commitment to sustainability.

Some itineraries emphasize a greener approach. If you’re passionate about nature, you may want to make ethical choices that consider climate change and biodiversity, such as reducing your air travel. Although every long-haul trip has a substantial carbon footprint, you can limit your safari’s impact by selecting destinations close to international airports and sharing vehicles instead of taking domestic flights.

Nairobi, with its superb wildlife-watching opportunities nearby, is an excellent starting point for a low-airmiles luxury safari. You could explore the stunning mountains and waterfalls of the Aberdare range, where lions hunt giant forest hogs. The Maasai Mara’s tree-dotted plains, which host East Africa’s annual Great Migration, are also easily accessible

Other notable organizations include African Parks, the African Wildlife Foundation, Tusk, and the World Land Trust.

You can further maximize the benefits of your trip by choosing lodges that actively contribute to environmental protection, community partnerships, and rural development. In Tanzania, the Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge supports Shanga, a craft project that helps locals with disabilities upcycle materials like glass and textiles into jewelry, clothing, and other goods.

When shortlisting properties, look for memberships in Ecotourism Kenya, Responsible Tourism Tanzania, Fair Trade Tourism, and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council as reliable indicators of commitment to sustainability.

Getting Set To Move

What can you expect once you arrive in the bush? For those hesitant about camping in the wilderness, rest assured that most top-tier operators prioritize comfort. You can expect cool drinks, gourmet dining, lavish private bathrooms, and luxurious beds. Typically, the staff, from head guides to housekeepers, are exceptional at their roles.

However, there are key differences between intimate, minimalist camps with a few canvas tents and larger lodges that offer swimming pools, gyms, and amenities such as spas, photography hides, research centers, libraries, and observatories. It’s about balancing how close you want to be to nature—hearing thrilling nighttime sounds, for instance—against the facilities and comforts you desire.

Seeking honest feedback from those familiar with the properties can be invaluable. Liberty Gilmour of Audley Travel notes, “Our safari specialists have in-depth conversations with clients to understand their preferences and provide advice.” For example, air conditioning may not be necessary in cooler locations like Zambia in May or high-altitude destinations such as Ngorongoro. Natural ventilation often suffices, and many camps use solar-powered cooling systems.

Tailoring your experience to your aesthetic tastes can enhance your safari. For instance, South Africa’s Camp Jabulani in Kapama Reserve features family heirlooms that create a cozy ambiance. Botswana’s Xigera Safari Lodge in the Okavango Delta boasts a collection of original works by contemporary African artists and artisans, offering art and design tours. In Kenya’s Loisaba Conservancy, Loisaba Lodo Springs blends hand-stitched West African textiles with elegant upcycled Edwardian furniture to create a contemporary touch.

A Moment Of Relaxing Adventures

Most safari programs center around guided excursions known as game drives, a name that harkens back to the days of Big Five hunting trips. However, the style of the vehicles used is not often discussed as much as it should be. While some operators use basic open-sided 4x4s, others invest in more luxurious vehicles with easy access, charging points, dustproof storage, and a fridge. If you’re an avid photographer, high-quality private vehicles are essential. Electric safari vehicles offer a smooth, quiet ride and, while still relatively uncommon, they represent the future and are gaining popularity.

Some safaris offer a sense of solitude in vast natural landscapes, which is an exhilarating experience. To avoid crowds, consider traveling during the low season, which varies by location, or choose private reserves where you’ll only see vehicles from your fellow guests. Guides may also offer night drives, using spotlights to search for nocturnal wildlife, such as roosting birds or lions on the hunt.

For the ultimate in exclusivity, you can book an entire camp or lodge, where the staff tailors every detail to your preferences, from wake-up times to custom cocktails and canapes. Ash Jarvis of Best of South Africa Travel notes that exclusive-use properties are especially suitable for mixed-generation families: “With private game drives, multiple living areas, a private pool, and the full attention of the entire staff, including chefs (perfect for picky eaters), these properties eliminate stress and ensure everyone can enjoy the experience. That’s the essence of a great family vacation.”

The Real adventure

If you crave tranquility, you might dream of floating above herds of zebras and wildebeest in a hot-air balloon or exploring the savannah on foot or by bicycle. The most engaging safaris provide a variety of guided activities such as these, adding delightful surprises to each day, like picnics in scenic spots or lantern-lit barbecues.

Your choice of location largely shapes your experiences. In Kenya’s northern conservancies, for example, you could traverse the semi-desert by camel. Meanwhile, in Rwanda or Uganda, a must-do activity is a one-hour guided trek into the rainforest for an unforgettable encounter with mountain gorillas.

On a gorilla trek, skilled rangers lead the way — a hallmark of an exceptional safari. An insightful, engaging guide can elevate any trip, keeping you safe and entertained while deepening your understanding of the environment.

“You want the inside track in guiding, photography, or conservation,” says Hafasha Keneth of Kenlink Tours “In-depth knowledge offers true insights into how conservation works, how wildlife benefits, and how you can contribute.”

Access to experts is one of the greatest luxuries on safari. Many high-end safaris, particularly in Kenya and South Africa, incorporate a philanthropic aspect. In exchange for a generous donation to a conservation fund, you can gain access to specialists in the field and even participate in conservation efforts like tagging predators or collecting DNA samples from juvenile rhinos. Conservation safari companies such as Great Plains and AWF Safaris can assist with these opportunities. This immersive approach is a remarkable way to begin unlocking the mysteries of the African wilderness.

Get The Best Of African Safaris In Africa

Eco-Friendly Luxury in Kenya
After an overnight stay at the iconic Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, head to Solio Lodge in the Central Highlands to explore Kenya’s oldest rhino conservation sanctuary. Continue your journey to Sala’s Camp, located in one of the most secluded areas of the Maasai Mara.

Soar Over Tanzania
Embark on a Sky Safari and fly by private plane to various parks, stopping at luxurious Elewana Collection properties along the way. This classic circuit covers Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti for incredible wildlife experiences.

Family Adventures in South Africa
South Africa offers numerous options for multi-generational families. Enjoy delightful safari properties like Morukuru River House alongside Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, and the Garden Route.

Discover the Big Five in Southern Africa
Explore some of southern Africa’s most exclusive wilderness retreats, combining stays at Bushmans Kloof in South Africa’s Cederberg region, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge in Namibia, DumaTau in Linyanti, and Xigera in the Okavango Delta.

Connect with Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda
The emotions you’ll feel upon encountering a family of gorillas in the rainforest after an exhilarating trek are indescribable. Combine this adventure with game drives in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park. Talk To The Experts